October 22, 2021 | By Bronwen Largier
Hitting its 70 percent vaccination target on Wednesday, Melbourne came out of lockdown at midnight, ending more than two and a half months of stay-at-home orders for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
From today, up to 20 fully vaccinated people will be allowed indoors at hospitality venues and up to 50 people outdoors, with density limits of one per four square metres both inside and outside. Entertainment venues can have 50 patrons outdoors only.
Although most non-essential retail is staying closed, the state government is permitting up to 10 vaccinated and unvaccinated people to meet in homes.
Melbourne’s curfew and 15km travel limit have also lifted, although travel between Melbourne and the regions is still off the table.
Due to capacity and setting restrictions, business events are unlikely to be taking place until the state reaches its 80 percent target – which is expected to be around November 5.
Once the 80 percent vaccination threshold is met, business events of up to 150 will be permitted indoors, with a one-per-four-square-metres density limit.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has officially flagged a reopening date of November 5 for events of up to 150, although the venue’s CEO Peter King told micenet last week that the centre is likely to open sooner for larger events after discussions with Government.
Trials of major events will be taking place in Melbourne between the 70 and 80 percent vaccination thresholds, with a concert for “close to 4,000 people” set to take place at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the city in eight days’ time and crowds of up to 10,000 permitted for the Melbourne Cup on November 2.
Victoria reported another 2,189 daily cases this morning and a further 16 deaths.